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I felt most of the top defenses to target on the Week 4 slate were at the top of the board, but Week 5 offers a nice combination of expensive options, along with value. The top two are in obvious spots, but there are cheaper options out there that’ve been really strong defenses so far this season.
Here are the four D/ST targets that immediately jumped out to me on the 12-game Week 5 main slate on DK (in no particular order). All prices via DraftKings.
Patriots (@WAS) — $4,300
The Patriots should be considered the best overall D/ST play this week, with the price tag the only thing keeping it from being a lock in cash games. The extra salary if you pay down leaves a lot of flexibility, but the ceiling here is as high as it gets.
The Patriots D/ST is averaging 20.8 DKFP, and has scored at least 10 DKFP in each game. The actual defense has allowed just 13 total points in four games, with 10 interceptions, 18 sacks and three touchdowns. Washington’s gotten some of the worst QB play in the league, and managed just three points against the Giants last week.
Bears (@OAK - London) — $3,800
The Bears D/ST should be in a perfect situation this weekend, even playing in London. Going across the pond has not been kind to the Raiders the last two seasons, scoring a combined 11 points in two games, and losing by an average of 24.5 PPG.
The Bears D/ST is averaging 13 DKFP, stemming from eight turnovers, 17 sacks, and no more than 15 points allowed in any game. It’s been particularly hot the last two weeks, scoring a combined 38 DKFP. The we have the Khalil Mack narrative (facing the team that traded him), which he admired would factor into his play, and should only have this defense even more locked in.
Panthers (vs. JAX) — $2,600
The Panthers D/ST remains far too underpriced, averaging 9.3 DKFP entering a home matchup against the Jaguars. Jacksonville is solid on offense, but when you can get a defense that’s forced four turnovers and recorded 14 sacks over the last two weeks at home at this price tag, you can’t fade it.
Gardner Minshew is great, but he’s still a rookie QB in an offense that wants to focus on the run game. The Panthers have found back-to-back wins with Kyle Allen at the helm, and the defense has responded, allowing 30 total points in that span. The 27 DKFP this D/ST scored over the last two weeks all came on the road.
Buccaneers (@NO) — $2,200
The Bucs D/ST has quietly been one of the best in the league, and is inexplicably underpriced in this spot. Tampa’s averaging 11 DKFP, scoring at least 8.0 in all four games this season. Touchdowns helped fuel to two biggest outings, but nine turnovers and 11 sacks have also been major contributions.
This D/ST feels like it’s priced to face Drew Brees on the road in the Super Dome, not Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater’s been mostly underwhelming, and failed to get the Saints into the end zone at home last week.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is jedlow) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.